Get To Know:: Quinell

Members: I usually hit the road on my own. However, I play some local shows with some really talented musicians/friends – Dallas Reedy (Drums), Ty Teixeira (Guitar), and Sam Derting (Bass/Guitar/Vocals)Genre: Folk/Rock/IndieLocation: Pasco WashingtonRecent Release: From The Woods: Inside Llewyn Davis

Musicians can fund their musical career in a multitude of ways including playing small shows and raising money through Kickstarter. Then you have Quinell, a folk singer/songwriter who has funded his musical career through something a little different – commercial fishing trips in Alaska, where he spends four months on a boat with only a handful of people. Named after the Bob Dylan song “The Mighty Quinn,” Quinell focuses on combining heartfelt lyrics with catchy melodies to send messages of hope and love through his music. Get to know more about Quinell and how he first began playing music below!

How did you get your start and get to where you are today?When I was younger, I loved sports (still do)… For every sport I wanted to play, my parents said that I had to join some type of music program. I played hockey/trumpet, football/choir, etc… So music has been a big part of my life from a young age. However, when I turned 15 I wanted to pick up the guitar. A family friend loaned me his guitar, saying, “as long as you want to keep it, it’s yours”. I loved the guitar so much that I bought my first guitar a few months later and never looked back. As far as songwriting goes, my dad was an English teacher (now a Principal) and taught my first poetry class in High School. I would attribute my success up to this point due to my immersion in music at a young age and my inherited/learned skills from my father.

Who are some of your musical influences?
John Mayer: “Where the Light Is” played a huge part in my decision to pursue a career in music.
Jack Johnson
Bob Dylan
James Taylor

What do you enjoy most about playing shows?
The best part about playing shows is the ability to connect with the audience. To share something personal and to have someone on the other end that can also relate to what I’m writing/singing about.

What do you do when you’re not playing music?
When I’m not playing music, you can find me playing Ice Hockey, Golf, Commerical Fishing in Alaska, Traveling, and drinking a good cup of coffee.